When I started practising Aikido there was another student who started around the same time.
I remember he asked the Sensei how long it would take to get to black belt level
At the time, I didn’t even think this was something worth focusing on.
As long as you just focus on your training each day eventually you will surely get there. What’s the rush? As long as you are enjoying your training then that’s what matters.
He said he was going to buy a black belt to help motivate him along. I wasn’t even thinking about that yet.
I think we can end up getting over excited about the future and not just focus on the present moment.
As long as you are following the right path and you have support then surely you will get there in time.
I don’t think he stayed for more than a few classes. Often it seems very enthusiastic people can burn bright and burn out.
The people that last are the ones that just turn up and enjoy training. They focus on that without thinking too much about where they will be in 5 years time.
The grading system helps to motivate us along the journey but it really serves to hold our interest long enough to develop a deeper appreciation of the art. At that point the training itself and the things we wish to achieve becoming more personal and our own personal motivation can take over.
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